Rolland L. Johns ’61 to be Honored With Bronze Eagle Award

The Bronze Eagle Award is presented to an esteemed alumnus whose dedication to St. Edward High School soars above, serving as a beacon for others.

Rolland L. Johns ’61 is being recognized for a lifetime of leadership, service, and a lasting connection to the St. Edward community. As he celebrates his 65th reunion year, he continues to give back as a loyal member of the Holy Cross Society and class ambassador, and he remains closely connected to the school.

Following graduation, Rollie attended St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, before transferring to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and ultimately earning his undergraduate degree in marketing from Cleveland State University in 1971. His path included four years of service in the United States Air Force, with assignments in Europe and Texas. He later returned to Cleveland State University to earn his M.B.A. in 1984.

Rollie began his corporate career with Master Builders, a division of Martin Marietta Corporation, where he completed a technical training program in specialty chemicals before relocating to Charlotte, North Carolina. Over the next decade, he advanced to vice president for U.S. sales. He went on to hold executive leadership roles with Vulcan Materials Company in Chicago and Calmat Corporation in Los Angeles, and later joined Florida Mining & Materials, where he oversaw sales and marketing operations across Florida and Southern Georgia before being named president. His career concluded in Houston, Texas, where he served as corporate vice president of Southdown Corporation.

Despite a career that included multiple relocations and extensive travel throughout the United States, Europe, and Latin America, Rollie maintained strong ties to Cleveland and to St. Edward High School. Regular visits to family on the West Side remained a constant, as did his connection to the school through his younger brother, Robert ’71, and friendships formed during his years at St. Edward—relationships that have remained an important part of his life.

After more than three decades away, Rollie and his wife, Nadine, returned to Westlake 13 years ago following his 50th class reunion—a visit that rekindled connections and ultimately brought them home.

Since returning, Rollie has taken on the role of convener, bringing fellow Edsmen together for weekly coffee gatherings that strengthen relationships and reinforce the school’s sense of brotherhood. He is especially passionate about encouraging students to identify their strengths and choose the career path that is best for them. 

Rollie and Nadine are the parents of two children and enjoy time with their growing family, including visits with their son, Rollie, and his family in Omaha, and their daughter, Merritt, and her family in Salt Lake City.

Please join us in honoring Rolland L. Johns, as well as this year's other award recipients, at the annual Recognition Dinner on Thursday, May 7, 2026.